(Oct 18/16, Day 2) Three Quotes In Three Days Challenge…

So, it’s day two of the challenge, and I want to thank the lovely people who nominated me…this is giving me a chance to share something I wouldn’t have otherwise 🙂

Nominator #1:thefictionallyrealone

(https://maanasaafangirl.wordpress.com/)

Although we just “met”, having read (I hope I assume correctly) her quotes, I can tell she is optimistic, has a great sense of humour, and a wonderful zest for life 🙂

and

Nominator #2: Speaking Up For Myself

https://sailajap14.wordpress.com/

Today’s offering:

Sticking with my theme of Facebook quotes, I saw this one this morning.

“Stay low key.  Not everyone needs to know everything about you.” (The Idealist)

I “shared” it to my page, with the following response:

Hmm….

Again, there is an ironic twist to my comment/response…for, it gives nothing away, but at the same time speaks volumes…especially if you know  me…

I’m known for my effusiveness (I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve, I’m quite an an open book, and I’m often given to enthusiastic over-explanations).

This can be a very endearing trait, but I’ve also come to realize that, being an introvert at my core–and, given the nature of my job (social worker/mental health clinician (counsellor)–I need to moderate what I share/give away…otherwise, I don’t have enough time (in between) to replenish my emotional reserves when I’ve given too much of my heart and soul.

And, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean that I feel emotionally-drained by the clients I’m privileged to serve…I am well aware of the need for boundaries where they are concerned.

I’m referring to aspects of my own vulnerabilities and sensitivities in my personal life….I’ve learned that I need to discern between who is curious, and who really cares….it makes me think of another quote I saw on Facebook some time ago–“Not everyone who smiles at you is your friend” (I can’t recall the author).

And, I hope this doesn’t sound cynical…it is just a reflection of my new-found understanding that–although I am very much a people person–I don’t have to embrace everyone as a close friend.  I don’t always have to give my all to make sure others are cared for, satisfied, content, and comfortable…not when it comes at my expense.  Not when they are incapable of–or disinclined–to be there for me when it counts.

I’ve had to work long and hard to establish protective boundaries….but, I am soooooo relieved to find that I have genuine connections with a small number of people who I want to share so much with…and who want to share so much with me.  How precious…how wonderful.

So, while I am bubbly and effusive in general….people would be very, very surprised at what I do not say….and, that side of me is a side that you are now better acquainted with…my serious, introspective side…the side of me that is no longer as trusting as an enthusiastic puppy who is in love with the whole world…I am learning…I am growing…and, while I will always have a wonderful capacity for idealistic-optimism, it is–increasingly-tempered by a reserved wisdom.

How’s that for an over-explanation?

God bless you, Wonderfuls 🙂

P.S.  I can’t tell you how much I love sharing with you…and how much I love you sharing with me…it fills me up in such satisfying ways 🙂

Nominations (these people are definitely friends, and have amazing blogs):

1. Doctor Jonathan

https://allabouthealthychoices.wordpress.com/

2. Gary

https://fictionisfood.wordpress.com/

3.

https://anotetohuguette.wordpress.com/

4.

https://markarmstrongillustration.com/

5.

https://aurawithwriting.wordpress.com/

6.

https://callmeadreamerblog.wordpress.com/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 thoughts on “(Oct 18/16, Day 2) Three Quotes In Three Days Challenge…

  1. I feel like I relate to this so much. I will never have a poker face for as long as I live. I’m also pretty much and open book and tend to over share and then proceed to regret it. I trust others too much because I don’t really trust myself. I’m learning to overcome that. Thanks for another great post in your long line of great writing.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing this with me…I’m thinking we can help each other in this regard…talking about it gives us deeper insight…and, I agree that we need to learn to trust ourselves more fully and on more levels….rather than (for example) trusting ourselves to give too much away. And, just so you know…and, no pressure, I am nominating you on the 3rd day of this challenge. I just love what you have to say, and how you say it…and, I appreciate your support and connection more than I can tell you. You are just awesome 🙂

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    1. Reading this, it’s like I’m looking into the mirror and I glimpse myself in your thoughts. Reflections that echo. It is as if you are voicing my deepest beliefs. Truly glad our paths crossed. Bless you!

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Definitely friends….I rather like that; not least because you are also a definitely friend too. Whilst my reply to your comment on my blog regarding this may have seemed a bit “Oh no, not again…” I have pondered it whilst bunged up with a hyper active immune system that is yet to send the Inaders (David Vincent influence as I’m watching the very same right now) packing. Last time I did this I was journeying from Genius to Insanity as my theme. Einstein to Alice…and you know I love Alice yes?

    I will indeed think on this now and find a new theme….mindfulness maybe, or fiction, writing, or books, or…hmmm…..too many prompts running….

    Thank you Truly for the nomination….I have a week before NaNoMoWri starts…..no pressure 😜

    And in the terminal phase of about to post and not quite getting there…..love your three day quoterama….good effort indeed 😊

    And so many new blogs to go and pesters too 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Great post! On the other end of the spectrum, I have found myself far too reserved… like pages from a book that have been sealed from water damage.

    I have learned to express myself a little more, to people that need to know. I just need to stop long enough to let them in. Being a dad has taught me to…engage in small talk… apparently that is a social norm to be expected :+)

    I think that is why I enjoy writing. I can express myself easier when it’s in written form. I have a problem with thinking of the best things to say…years after the conversation is over…When I write, I can take my time.

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    1. Thank you for sharing this with me….I feel privileged that you took the time to tell me something about yourself….and, for what it’s worth, small talk loses its connective value if it is given too much weight…it is just what it implies…a small portion of conversation…too often, it is a substitution for substance…also, I too, enjoy the freedom that writing allows for…you can take the time you need to be sure that you’ve said what you meant to–and that you expressed it in the way you wanted to. There are days when I don’t know exactly what is going to come out of my mouth….something profound, or something that makes me feel like a dolt. haha Also, thank you for the kind comment…I appreciate it 🙂

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  4. Yeah – that quote strikes me the same. Sure we can keep all this glorious richness to ourselves, but those around us would miss so much! 🙂 I dated a guy once who told me, “You don’t have to do everything you want.” Oy! Spent years figuring that one out! In the end, I guess he was making a point about self-control (and not a bad one!), but I think maybe “stay true to who you are” is better counsel for effusives like us. You’re beautiful!

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